As current efforts are underway to combat the COVID-19
pandemic, concern has been reported on the issuance of prescriptions and
dispensing of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine by pharmacies for prevention
and treatment of COVID-19. The Board of Pharmacy has no purview over medications
that a provider prescribes. Pharmacists should exercise caution dispensing
these medications in a community setting.
At present, the FDA has not approved the use of chloroquine
or hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 prophylaxis or treatment. The prescribing
physician should monitor a patient’s care.
Medication side effects, drug interactions,
contraindications and laboratory monitoring requirements should also be
considered when dispensing these medications for the treatment of COVID-19.
There is a potential for toxicity. Meeting those monitoring needs for patients
could be limited.
Pharmacists and prescribers must also consider that patients
currently taking hydroxychloroquine for FDA approved indications could be
affected by this prescribing. Pharmacists should monitor supplies of
chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for medication availability.
Providers prescribing hydroxychloroquine to patients for
other indications (i.e., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) are encouraged to note
the indication on any new prescription issued.
Please note, pharmacists are encouraged to use their
professional judgement and as always, are allowed to deny prescriptions based
on this judgement as necessary.
This is a constantly evolving situation. As additional data
is available, current information could be subject to change. Please continue
to check your email from the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy and our website, www.mbp.ms.gov, for updated information
pertaining to COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Jillian
Foster
President
Mississippi Board of Pharmacy
Susan McCoy
Executive
Director
Mississippi Board of Pharmacy